Computer Fundamentals

(CS-101 & CS-101L)

Lecture 1
Reference Books:

1. Computer Science Overview by J.Glenn

Brook Shear
2. Simple Program Design by Lesley Anne
Robertson
3. Schaum Series, Visual Basic and Tutorials
4. Discovering Computers by Shelly Vermaat
 Lecture Overview

• Introduction to computers
• History of computers
• Benefits of computers
• Uses of computers
• Generations of computers
• Types of computers
• Computer Hardware
• Computer Software
Introduction to Computers
 What is computer?

 A computer is an electronic machine that is able to take

information (input), and process it to make new
information (output).
 It manipulates, process and stores information or data.

 Originfrom the word compute means to calculate

 Converts data into information which is useful for
us
 History of computers
 Abacus- 1300
 Firstcomputing device
 Developed in 600 B.C.
 Perform simple addition and
subtraction
 Consists of wooden beads
which are moveable
 Calculation is done by moving
these beads properly
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 Pascaline
 Blaise Pascal- 1643
 Firstmathematical adding
machine
 Only add & subtract
numbers
 Division and multiplication
was done by repeated
addition and subtraction.

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 Von Leibniz
 Von Leibniz- 1694
 A German scientist
 Developed a calculating machine in 1694
 First calculator that can multiply and divide also.

None of these machines had memory, and they

required human intervention at each step

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 Charles Babbage
 Charles Babbage- (1822-
1842)
 A mathematician
 Invented “Difference Engine” in
1822 for arithmetic calculations
 Developed an automatic
“Analytical Engine” in 1842
 Perform 60 additions per minute.

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Advantages of Computers
Following are certain advantages of computers.
 Speed
 Accuracy
 Versatility
 Reliability
 Diligence
 Storage Capability
Generations of Computers
Generations Description
Zero Generation Mechanical Calculators
First Generation • Vacuum tube based
• Large in size
• Programming was difficult
• The electricity consumption was very high.
• Unreliable
• Very costly
• Generated a lot of heat
• Slow input and output devices
• Non-portable
• Consumed a lot of electricity
• Some computers of this generation are ENIAC,
EDVAC, EDSAC & UNIVAC-1
Generations of Computers
Generations Description
Second Generation • Transistor based
• They required only 1/10 of power required by
tubes.
• This generation computers generated less heat
& were reliable.
• The first operating system developed in this
• Some computers of this generation were IBM
1620, IBM 7094, CDC 1604, CDC 3600,
UNIVAC 1108 generation.
Third Generation • Integrated circuit based (chips)
• 10 transistors per chip,
• smaller, faster & more reliable.
• High level languages invented in this
generation.
• Some computers of this generation were: IBM-
360 series, Honeywell-6000 series, PDP
(Personal Data Processor) , IBM-370/168 ,
TDC-316
Generations of Computers
Generations Description
Fourth Generation • Microprocessor based
• LSI & VLSI were used in this generation
• High capacity hard disk were invented
• Some computers of this generation were: DEC
10, STAR 1000, PDP 11, CRAY-1(Super
Computer), CRAY-X-MP(Super Computer)

Fifth Generation ULSI Microprocessor based

Types of Computers
Types Description

Supercomputer It is an extremely fast computer, which can execute

hundreds of millions of instructions per second. It is used
in processing satellite information, navigation etc.
Main Frame It is a multi-user computer system, capable of supporting
hundreds of users simultaneously (100-1000 users). It is
used by government and in business.
Mini Computer It is same as mainframe , capable of supporting
hundreds of users simultaneously (10-100 users).

Workstation It is also a single user computer system, similar to personal

computer however has a more powerful microprocessor.

PC (Personal It is a single user computer system having moderately

Computer) powerful microprocessor.
Functionalities of Computer
Takes data as input

Process the data and convert into

useful information

Produce output

Stores data
 Block Diagram of Computer

Input unit Processing unit Output unit

Memory unit
Functions of Computers
 Accepts input, processes data, stores data, and produces
output
 Input refers to whatever is sent to a Computer system
 Data refers raw facts, objects, and ideas
 Processing is the way that a computer manipulates data
 Memory is where information is stored and retrieved by
the processing unit
 Storage is the area where data can be left on a
permanent basis
 Output refers to the result produced by the computer
Parts of Computers

 There are two basic parts of computer

1. Hardware
2. software
Hardware
 Hardware is basically anything that you can touch.
The basic types/categories of hardware are:
1. Input devices
2. Output devices
3. CPU (central processing unit)
4. Storage devices
Central Processing unit
A CPU is brain of a computer. It is responsible for all functions
and processes.
The CPU is comprised of three main parts :
 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Executes all arithmetic and
logical operations.
 Control Unit (CU): Controls and co-ordinates computer
components.
 Registers : Stores the data that is to be executed next
Computer Case

 Contains the major

components of the
computer. It helps to
protect them.
Inside the Computer Case
Motherboard

Mainboard or system board - the main circuit board

for the computer system. All device in the computer
system will either be part of the motherboard or
connected to it.
  Memory
Sockets
Processor
Socket
Chipset

PCI Slots
Ports
Graphics Slot
Power Supply

A computer power supply has a number of functions:

• Converts Alternating current (AC) Direct
current (DC)
• Transforms mains voltage (240 Volts) to the
voltages required by the computer. The main
voltages are:
• 12 volts for the disk drives as they have motors
• 3.3 and 5 volts for the circuit boards in the computer
Monitor

 A display screen to
provide “output” to the
user. It is where you
view the information
your are working on.
Video Card

 Connects the computer to

the monitor. It sends
information to the monitor
for display on screen.
Keyboard
 Used to enter information
into the computer.
1. Numeric keys
2. Control keys
3. Function keys
4. Typing keys
5. Special purpose keys
Mouse

 The mouse is used to

control the on-screen
pointer by pointing and
clicking, double-clicking,
or dragging objects on the
screen.
 An input device operated
by rolling its ball across a
flat surface.
Touchpad

 A pressure-sensitive
and motion sensitive
device used in place of
a mouse.
CD Rom Drive

 The drive that plays

CDs and reads data
that has been stored on
the CD.
CD

 Compact Disk – A type

of optical storage
device.
Floppy Disk Drive

 A device that holds a

removable floppy disk
when in use; read/write
heads read and write
data to the diskette.
Hard Disk

 Magnetic storage
device in the computer.
Printer

 An output device that

produces a hard copy
on paper.
Barcode Reader

 An input device that

converts a pattern of
printed bars into a
number that a
computer can read.
Scanner

 A device that allows

pictures to be placed
into a computer.
Microphone

 Allows the user to

record sounds as input
to their computer.
Speakers

 Used to generate or
reproduce voice,
music, and other
sounds.
Sound Card

 Connects the speakers

and microphone to the
computer.
Modem

 The place where the

computer is connected
to the phone line.
Network Card

 A circuit board that

connects the computer to
the rest of the network
usually using special
cables.
Ports
• Serial port - a 9-pin port. Often called Com
ports - Com1, Com2 etc. Mice and external
modems were connected to these ports. They
are turquoise in colour.

• Parallel port - a 25-pin port used to connect

printers, scanners, external hard disks, zip
drives etc. to the computer. Burgundy in
colour, they are often called LPT ports -
LPT1, LPT2 etc.
 
 Storage/Memory Devices
There are two types of memory
1. Primary memory (RAM, ROM)
 RAM: Random Access Memory is a memory responsible for
storing data on a temporary basis, so that it can be quickly
accessed by the processor as and when needed. It is volatile
in nature.
 ROM: Read Only Memory is a permanent form of storage.

2. Secondary Memory also known as external memory (Hard

Drive, Flash Drive, Optical Disc)
Software
 Software is the set of programs and applications
that tell the computer what to do and how to look.
 There are two types of softwares

1. System software
2. Application software
 Software (Cont)
 System software: Directs all the activities and sets
all the rules for how the hardware and software will
work together.
Examples: DOS, Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, XP,
Vista, Windows 7, Unix, Linux,
 Application software: Programs that work with
operating system software to help the computer to
do specific types of work. They are user specific.
Examples: MS office, photoshop, autoCAD etc